These Boots Are Made For Walking...

First off, let me clarify I’m not a shoe whore. I like them, but on my shopping scale clothes rate much higher. But last week, yes I said last week, I know I’m a wee bit late in blogging them so sue me, when Armidi Gisaci released the Kyoto boot I thought I’d give them a look but didn’t expect to fall in love, but I did. I’m now a boot whore, but at least I’ll look smashing while walking the streets.

The detail and texturing is wonderful, just a bit long in the foot but I can overlook that because the overall look is superb. Offered in the pack is a small and large size for those of us with larger than twig size calf. This comes in handy as all the sections are no mod.

Since many of us are on a budget I’d suggest the black, I own several pair in various colors and while all of them are drool worthy the versatility as well as the textures on the black make it a beautiful pair of boots.

As a side note, for those of you that are children of the 80’s and remember fondly your old pair of Van’s check out Armidi LTD version. A steal at the price as they come in a pack with both male and female sizes and the workmanship speaks for itself.

Friends List: No

Review Copy: Don't I Wish

In World: Yes

Creamshop Goodies

With a nip in the air my thoughts turn to warm fires, hot spice tea and bundling up in a nice comfy coat but since I’m sure everyone is sick to death of hearing about coats I thought I’d show you one of my new favorites.

I loved ponchos as a kid, wouldn’t wear anything else in the 3rd grade. Times haven’t changed much, I still adore the winter wear alternative to a bulky coat and I still require and afternoon nap or I get cranky…but enough about me.

So I’m doing my normal “Have Lindens must spend them” spree that occurs after a spell of self restraint, more commonly referred to as being broke and I end up in eclectic store named the Creamshop. Located in Kabuki (http://slurl.com/secondlife/kubuki/180/116/28/) it might be off the beaten track but worthy of a trip over if for no other reason to pick up the Midnight Poncho Set shown. It’s perfect for pumpkin hunting or a casual day of shopping. While your at Creamshop let your peepers wander because I’m sure you’ll find something else you’ll like, I also came home with the Skull Rhinestone necklace and earrings. Wish the chain was a bit better done but I adore the pendant so I’ll shut my trap and enjoy it for what it is a bit of whimsical jewelry to have fun with.

Friends List: No

Review Copy: No

In World: Yes

Decoy Is The Real Thing.

While checking out Persona this week I strolled along the street peeking in the shops to see what my wandering eyes my spy to squirrel away in my every increasing inventory when I happened upon Decoy (Southern Paradise 17, 108, 23) owned by Annette Voight. Since the name didn’t ring a bell I thought I would pop in and see what she had to offer, I’m glad I talked myself into it.

Although still new and upcoming Annette hasn’t made the mistakes of many others and cranked things out only to fill her walls, instead she has taken her time and what graces her store are quality clothing and very affordable prices. Only a handful of designs are currently available but all of the items I purchased were of good quality and showed outstanding promise.

My personal favorite is the Just Peachy Cardigan, priced at a moderate $115L it comes in Forest Green, Red, Kaki, Rose Pink and Sky Blue. This comfy cardigan is brought together in the front under the breast with a button closure that allows the wearer to show off a cami or pretty blouse underneath.

In conversation Ms. Voight informed me that she is trying to have a small release sometime soon, maybe even today. So now is the perfect time to check her out if you haven’t already stopped by and seen one of Second Life’s promising new designers.

Friends List: No

Review Copy: No

In World: Yes

Birds Of A Feather...

During one of my many visit to Illusions I chanced upon a charming lady by the name of Violaine Villota of Fancy Fairy. We stuck up a conversation due to the fact she had on the most ethereal wings. These weren’t your normal frou frou wings done to look like angels on high but a combination of both gossamer and functionality combined. The skeletal framework of the wings was borrowed from the insect genre to lend a more credible feel. I was, needless to say, drooling. I inquired as to the maker and was informed she herself had designed and crafted these visions of splendor.

Ok so by this time I was itching to get my hands on a pair, and folks, I’m not a wing gal. I usually feel that they are awkward, cumbersome and in them I look something akin to a fairy with two left wings. Violaine, knowing a fish ready to reel in when she saw one, dropped on my inventory several pairs of wings and outfits for review.

As soon as I put Peacock Fairy Gown Showgirl on I thought I was going to swoon, I was graceful, I was lithe and I had pointed ears to boot! The gown comes with a shape to complement the outfit so you don’t have to adjust your current one to fit the contours of the creation. Some of the keynotes to the gown are the stunning overskirt, while it has teensy gaps at the side seams they aren’t noticeable to the naked eye and do nothing to detract from the overall appearance of the skirt; I felt I must in all fairness mention them. Again the wings are included to enhance the outfit. Blue and green jewel tones offer a rich palette to showcase the design of the dress. Skirt comes in several different lengths as well as styles.

Phoenix is done in similar feathered style using peacock motif but in reds and gold’s. Shape once again is included as well as varying skirt styles and lengths.

For those of you who aren’t normally fantasy types, take a walk on the fae side and give Fancy Fairy at The Faery Crossing or in Brythony a visit.

Friends List: No

Review Copy: Yes

In World: Yes

Adimu Specialty Salon

I’m terribly behind on my blogging and don’t need to wander off, as my mind is oft to do, on semi-related topics, but once again I just couldn’t help myself on this one. Hair is all the rage these days with the opening of Armidi and I’m sure everyone has been fascinated with all the in-depth coverage that has taken place unfortunately, in my opinion several outstanding Stylist have gone unnoticed. This was brought home when Adimu sent out a update and I fleetingly thought back to my African American avatar had a heck of a time finding hair I felt she looked good in when I first created her until I hit upon Rubina Stanwell’s, Adimu Specialty. Offering both female and male hairstyles inspired by Black, African, African-American, & Caribbean styles. Unique in looks and textures these are styles that will enhance the looks of your avatar, Adimu in my view one of the best specialty shops of it's types in Second Life.

While I have several of Adimu products and had a hard time picking my favorite to showcase I finally narrowed it down to Maya in Cocoa. Named and style after Maya Angelou, the braids sit gently on the forehead to slope back into a bun encased in woven braids. I love the texture, and the color matches perfectly with the skin tone and brows of my Second Skin Labs 2.0 Evie skin.

Friends List: No

Review Copy: No

In World: Yes

Ghastly Good Hair

**WARNING TERRIBLE PUNS IN THE FOLLOWING REVIEW**

Tis’ the witching season so I thought I’d bring to you a few truly bootiful hairstyles. After a bit of a lengthy, or maybe it just seemed like it, break Calico Ingmann of Calico Creations introduced Unseelie, Elsa, Lolth and Fossarius to help everyone get into the holiday spirit. All are guaranteed to turn you into a positively glamour’s ghoul and will turn heads.

Unseelie, is a well crafted pigtail design that will stand you in good stead even after the bats and brooms have been packed away for another year. It works perfectly with hats making it a must have for any well dressed witchy women.

Elsa, a crafty little updo is perfect for any formal occasion, wedding or Goth event. Tendrils sweep the face to soften the lines and frame the eyes giving the wearer a come hither look about her.

Fossarius, for those more Pagan at heart, a mane of flowing hair sweeps down to mid back with frosted tips. A side part shadows the face to lend a bit of innocence to the overall appearance. This one should be a mainstay in any inventory.

Lolth screams drama with it’s long length and high crown it’s a notice me hairstyle and for the diva in all of us.

Overall I can’t crow about these enough, they are guaranteed to bring you a howling good time!

Friends List: No

Review Copy: Yes (Demo's Also)

In Word: Yes

The Eye's Have it!

(eyes worn are Gunmetal IdealEye (i) and Gunmetal RealEye (i))

Zada Zenovka, of Shapes by Zada dropped a folder of eyes on me this morning. So first thing I did when I logged in was pop in some eyes. I already own one pair of Zada’s eyes along with several of her shapes so I was interested to see what her new line of eyes would look like.

Eyes are windows to the soul, or so the saying goes, and by far that is one of my major complaints for many of the avatars I see ingame. They spend 1000L on a good skin, 500L-800L on a professional shape and we won’t go into the cost of clothing, hair, shoes and accessories and then they won’t spend the scant 75L-125L on a pair of well made eyes. When you look at them at close range it’s like looking at a dead fish, or a pane of glass, dazed and confused or dead and lifeless.

Happily the new Eyefidelity release by Zada has some outstanding eyes. Just a few of the features worth mentioning are that each color comes with three options (i) indoor (n) neutral (0) outdoor. The pupil in each is dilated to simulate the lightening for each of these situations. Eyefidelity Eye’s come in RealEyes, smaller than standard Second Life eyes to more closely resemble real eyes and IdealEyes, which are standard SL size. I found both convey life and a human quality that I find lacking in several other eyes on the market.

Friends List: No
Review Copy: Yes
In World : Yes

If You Don't Have Anything Nice...

All of us have been told if we don’t have something nice, don’t say anything at all, myself included. My mother tried, in vain, in many cases to drill this into my thick skull as a child growing up in the South, where being polite is as much prized as the last name Lee, Beauregard or Stuart. But is this always an asset in a blog? I had to sit myself down and evaluate my “mission statement” (god I hate that phrase) for Fashion Predator. Did I want to be everyone’s friend and receive tons of free review copies? Hell yes! But did I want to do it at the cost of someone, who maybe had to camp for two days to save up money to buy an item that maybe if I had written an honest review on, could have had more information and allowing them to be a more informed consumer thus maybe saving them money? Then…Hell NO!

Allowing for the fact that I’m picky, I’ve kept my blog open for feedback and comments and look forward to them. Knowing that some designers might not want to send me review copies in fear of bad reviews is ok with me also, the good one’s won’t have anything to fear. I’m picky but not anal, honest but not vindictive. I’ll lay it out for others to make a choice if they would like to spend their lindens on a product or not. And if I’m biased, I’ll try to note that also.

Mistress Of Muse...

I hate blogging something that I know is going to be done to death, but for this I’m going to make an exception! Caliah Lyon of Muse sent out notice today of a gift for the members in her group. Being a huge fan of anything Ms. Lyon does I was frothing at the mouth to open my gift and try it on. Firstly, please let me warn you, I’m biased, like an alcoholic needs spirits I crave jewelry made by Caliah Lyon. My addiction started innocently enough, I spied a simple, but delicate ballet shoe necklace that called my name. Then came another equally simple but more intricate necklace and earring set. An outfit screamed for yet another of her sets. And don’t even get me started on her pearls; we have a love hate relationship.

The Dauphine Necklace and Earrings Set (Silver/Jet) are without doubt one of the most intricate and fine pieces of jewelry I’ve seen in the game. The details are superb and flawless; no detail has escaped notice of the maker. Jet is the stone used in the necklace and earring’s and the faucets show a life that I have yet to see any other jeweler’s textures. When most other designers give away their mistakes Ms. Lyon not only excels but soars above the crowd by giving away the best in jewelry to be found in Second Life. In my view, that shows a true love and pride in her work that I wish others would adopt in attitude towards their own crafts inworld.

Friends List: NO
Review Copy: No (Group Gift)
In World: Yes

Illusions Is The Cat's Meow!

Siyu Suen of Illusions is well known for her hats and mask but what about her jewelry? If you have stopped by like I have, to pick up your Minerva hat (or any of the three in the series of witches hats now available) you will notice she has a necklace and earring set to match. It’s simple, fun and stunningly done, a real must have for the season. The set of three consist of a necklace and matching earrings available in 5 metal choices. It’s a steal at only 165.00L.

Friends List: No

Review Copy: No

In World: Yes

Ingenue..Innocence Meets High Fashion

I have a new favorite or two; it’s the pencil skirt and Sweetheart Darling from Betty Doyle’s Ingenue located in Mangakino. The slim, flattering skirt comes in 10 different colors and looks even looks good on those of us with a bit more junk in our trunks than the norm. Sweetheart Darling I purchased in black, but it comes in a total of 5 different colors and patterns. I fell in love with the jacket and couldn’t wait to find other things to wear it with.

Time for a bit of honesty here, I really didn’t think I would find much in Ingenue I’d like. I lean more towards “mainstream uptight” as a friend once put it. But I found several things I have enjoyed wearing, and that are very well made. The seams are matched up and the small details such as fabric folds, bust seams and hem seams add so much to the overall look of the outfit. The only minor flaw I could find in the two outfits I purchased is that the sleeves on Sweetheart Darling’s white shirt layer (did I mention she has everything on several different layers? Well she does!) Were a bit ragged on the edge. But this was only noticeable if you panned it for a very tight shot. I’m a bit picky if you haven’t figured out, and this was so minor that even I wasn’t bothered by it.

If you haven’t been to Ingenue stop by and pay her a visit I don’t think you’ll be sorry. Think outside the box a bit and it will amaze you the possibilities her outfits have.

Friends List: No

Review Copy: No

In World: Yes

Dlicious...Dnot

***SKIN REVIEW BELOW..WOOBLY PARTS WILL BE SHOWN!!!***

Doofus Mayo of Dlicious sent out a notice today introducing himself/herself to FashCon today so I tripped along to Zero Mall (166,91,24) to check em’ out since I didn’t have anything better to do and I’m also having a bit of a skin identity crisis at the moment.

First thing your going to notice is the price, 800L for a single and 3500L for a pack of 5. Don’t know why but It always takes me aback when a new vendor jumps into the game with prices as high or higher than the best on the market. Just my peeve, silly I know, as they put just as much blood, sweat and tears into the work but…

I purchased three skin tone demos Pale, Gold and Tan, all in the make-up style of Elegance. The eyes are subtle in the lighter skin tones and if your looking for drastic changes between the skins this pack would not be the style to choose as the lipstick stays the same and the makeup changes are minimal at best until you get to the darker skin tones, then the eyeshadow starts to pop a bit more.

Pale was worn first and I noticed a line between the neck and body right off, it’s faint but since I was looking for signs it was pretty easy to pick out, also the shading on the clavicle bone was a bit over done IMHO as well as the stomach shading. But if you like a very toned look to your stomach, check it out and see how you like the look.

Gold and Tan had the same problems as Pale but the shading problems really stood out the darker in skin tone you go. The highlights really glare against the darker skin tones. Although if I had to pick between the two I’d say Tan was the better of the two. Gold has almost an orange undertone that I didn’t care for.


But on the plus side the make up was more dramatic on the darker skin tones. Also you can see that that Doofus put time into his work, knee shading is done (another peeve why do so many skins have no knees or elbows?) And I like the face, it worked well on my shapes, but unless I'm going to walk around covered from neck to toe this isn't the skin for me.


Overall these aren't skins I'd be happy with, but I can see promise in them, toned down a bit on the shading and smoothed out a bit and I think they would be some very nice skins.

Demo’s are 1L so you can check them out yourself.

Armani....Fare una figura di merda!

Fashion designer Giorgio Armani has opened up shop in Second Life, with a store modeled on his flagship location in Milan, his company said on Wednesday. His Island in Second Life Armani via Manzoni I assume would be the location of said shop but since I *sobsnifflewail* can not at the moment log into the game I can't verify that or give a surl.

I'm devastated at the news leaking out of world that is reporting that the new Armani sim is, as so many other corporate forays have been into Second Life, a dismal failures. The crushing news is that Mr. Armani paid no attention to the wants or needs of his online fashionista's and will leave us hanging. To quote another blog (Shopping Cart Disco) "SHAME ON YOU, ARMANI! SHAME! "

Day Three Of Rehab...

Well its day three of hell, as I can’t install SL on the laptop I use when I travel so I’m stuck in the Westin in Dallas looking at the walls and talking to the dog, we have very enlightening conversations and if she could just get over the fact we aren’t in a suite this stay she would be a lot more fun to be around. In my Second Life withdrawn state I’m convinced this is my husband’s evil maniacal version of detox. Passed the sweaty twitchy stage last night and I’ve moved into the grouchy, edgy stages today. I think I can spring this rehab by Thursday so look for a flurry of spending by Friday morning as I’ve been like a kid making a Christmas list as I browse the post on Fashion Planet. I don't smoke but if my nerves get much worse I'm thinking of starting. Arrghh you know it's bad when you are eating dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Dallas and you start to notice the other patrons ensembles and thinking you have something similar in your inventory in Second Life, or even worse wondering how that outfit would look on your avie.

First off, Siyu how could you put out such a wonderful hat as Minerva while I was gone and couldn't buy it?!? Can’t blog it now as it’s been done but I can buy it and wear it to death. I don’t know what I’ll be for Samhain but with so many wonderful things being cranked out I know the choice will be difficult.

For all of you on FashCon who have seen me ask a million times for jeans with an open fly I finally found some by reading the post on FP today! Again, can’t wait to get in game and try them on! I have a photo shoot in mind for those that’s been in the making for ages.

Well the Z Princess (that would be the puppy) and I are off to roam the halls in search of fun and games or if all else fails the pool or jacuzzi. And I must say she looks stylin in her new bikini, Pink really is her color.

Dolly Pink Puke

I’m sure it’s happened to all of us, we wander forth lindens clutched in our hot little hands in search of the perfect dress. You know the one, it’s magical, elusive, expensive. It floats over your curves (some more generous than others) and hugs in all the right places. Whipped together by some little known gem of a designer that a million other people haven’t already discovered. Your eye lights on a display, the dress looks wonderful a silk creation to make the Gods themselves drool. At $350L you hesitate but the whispering in your ear is getting louder now and is becoming a thundering chant of “BUY ME! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!” You click and scurry back home to unpack and try on your newest prize.

Sound familiar? I can’t tell you the times I have gone out on a limb and tried a new designer only to find the quality was sub-standard, shoddy at best. Now don’t get me wrong, a little photoshop editing is expected in an ad, but lets be honest when a little becomes a lot it’s a different story.

Last week while sitting in my nice comfy bean bag trying to organize my ever increasing inventory when a Fashioncon notice pops up, as habit I take a quick look and my eyes sparkle and my heart flutters...inside is a picture of a pink (ok, pink normaly makes me want to toss my oreo's but on this dress it looked smoldering!) I had to have it! So I got up, made myself presentable and off I went. Soon I had the dress in my hot little hands and I was ready to put it on and strut my stuff, only one major problem, in the dress I looked like a hooker bag lady. I tried to edit, I moved, I tinted, along with some major name calling...nothing helped. It all boiled down to the dress was a POS no bones about it.

Dress From: Infinity Fashion

Designer: Odessy Infinity

Friends List: No

Review Copy: No

In World: Yes